Maltese, Maltese

Detailed introduction

The Maltese, also known as the Maltese Frise , is a small toy dog ​​with Bichon Frise ancestry and is one of the oldest dog breeds in Europe . Males stand 8.3-9.8 inches ( 21-25 cm ) tall and weigh 6.6-8.8 pounds ( 3.0-4.0 kg) ; females stand 7.9-9.1 inches ( 22-23 cm ) tall and weigh 6.6-8.8 pounds ( 3.0-4.0 kg) . Lifespan is 12-14 years , and it ranks 59th in intelligence . It has a slightly rounded skull, large, slightly protruding, bronze-colored, wide-set eyes, a small, round, black nose, and a smooth, silky coat.

The Maltese originated on the British island of Malta in the Mediterranean, from which it derives its name. With a history spanning over 3000 years, the Maltese, in the 19th century, won the favor of royalty and nobility with its elegant and captivating appearance, becoming a favorite among the upper class and earning its place as the premier toy dog ​​in Britain. It was first recognized by the American Kennel Club ( AKC ) in 1888 and by the United Kennel Club (UKC ) in 1948. Maltese dogs are gentle, lively, and prefer clean, dry environments. The typical lifespan of a domesticated Maltese is 12-14 years.

The Maltese has historically been favored by European nobility and is known for its excellent mouse-catching abilities, making it a top-tier family dog. Before the Middle Ages, this breed was highly prized by European nobles and served as a symbol of high status. In the early 20th century, the breed was introduced to Japan, China, and the Philippines, becoming one of the top choices for companion dogs among Japanese pet owners.

Distinguishing features: a slightly rounded skull, large and slightly protruding round and deep-set eyes that are bronze in color and widely spaced, a small and round black nose, and a coat of smooth, silvery-white silky fur. It has a gentle yet alert temperament .

Breeding season: estrus occurs in spring and autumn each year; gestation period: 58-65 days ; primary value: historically aristocratic dogs and domestic dogs.

The Maltese dog originated on the island of Malta in the Mediterranean region, from which it derives its name. Its naming can be traced back to many sea names in the Mediterranean region, such as the Adriatic Sea and Sicily. "Maltais" comes from the Semitic word "malat ," meaning refuge or harbor. The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle (384-322 BC ) named it "canes melitenses . "

The Maltese ranks 59th in the world in terms of intelligence , which is not considered a particularly intelligent breed. They require 40-80 repetitions of a new command. They are easily distracted and will only obey commands when they feel like it.

Despite their small size , the Maltese's confident and affectionate responsiveness is very appealing. The Maltese is the gentlest of all small dogs , yet it is also lively, playful, and energetic. It has a noble demeanor and is very attached to its owner.

Breeding history

The Maltese originated around 500 BC , boasting a history of over 3,000 years. Legend has it that the Phoenicians sailed to the island of Malta, bringing with them dogs that, through breeding, gave rise to the Maltese. Industry experts generally believe that the Maltese's ancestors were foxhounds brought to Malta by peoples from south-central Europe, while some argue that the Spanish hound was its precursor.

The Maltese's ancestors may have been among the earliest toy dogs in Europe. Around 55 BC , Roman troops brought Maltese dogs to England, where they became companions to the British court and nobility. Until the Middle Ages, they remained daily companions to European nobles, and their popularity did not diminish thereafter. In the 15th century, they were introduced to France and quickly became the beloved dogs of royalty and other upper-class families.

In 1813, Malta was occupied by Britain, and Queen Vessoria ordered the import of these dogs from the island. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Maltese population declined sharply. By 1830, for various reasons, the Maltese was on the verge of extinction in Britain. Queen Vessoria then ordered the import of a pair of purebred Maltese dogs from the Philippines for breeding purposes. During turbulent times in the West, breeders in Asia preserved the purebred Maltese bloodline and crossbred them with other Eastern breeds such as the Tibetan Mastiff to improve the breed.

In the 19th century, the Maltese won the title of the premier British toy dog ​​for its magnificent qualities. In 1864 , the first Maltese Fellowship was held in Birmingham, England. [16] In 1888 , the Maltese was first recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), with two females , “ Shine ” and “ Wuss ”, officially joining the American Kennel Club. In 1948 , it was recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC). As of 2023 , it has been included in organizations such as The Kennel Club and the Japan Kennel Club ( JKC ).

Morphological characteristics

The Maltese is a small dog breed, standing about 25 cm tall and weighing 1.5-3 kg. It has a smooth, silky, silvery-white coat that falls close to the ground, flat and silky. The ears have pale yellow or lemon-colored markings. Besides pure white, the coat can also be light orange or light ivory. This breed has a single, silky coat that hangs on both sides of the body, while the hair on the top of the head can be braided or left to hang naturally. The skin has black spots, especially on the back.

neck

The Maltese's head is proportionally balanced with its body, with a slightly rounded top of the skull, appearing oval from above and rounded from the sides. Its frontal bone and supraorbital arch are very prominent, while the occipital ridge is not obvious. The muzzle is parallel on both sides with a groove in the middle. The muzzle is of medium length and well-defined. The lips are black. The large, round, deep-set eyes are bronze in color, slightly protruding, and very wide-set, with black outlines and third eyelids. The small, round, black nose is a bulbous nose. The ears are triangular, set low, and about one-third of their length in width . The neck is relatively long, arching at the ridge. The chin tapers gradually, with a level or scissor bite. The neck is relatively long, without loose skin, and arches at the ridge.

limbs

The Maltese has a compact body with a level back and well-sprung ribs. The forelegs are short and straight, with arms longer than the shoulder blades, and elbows that neither turn in nor out. The chest is below the level of the elbows. The hind legs are powerful, with muscular thighs and a prominent hind leg line. The feet are small and round, with black pads and nails.

Bones are relatively fragile and prone to fractures and other accidents.

tail

The tail is large at the base and thin at the tip, with well-developed muscles and long feathers. It curls over the back, with the tip pointing more than 1/4 of the way to the side of the body , touching the rump or lying on the sides.

Habits and characteristics

Maltese dogs are very affectionate towards their owners and get along well with children, but they can be hostile towards strangers. They are gentle, lively, and deeply devoted to their owners , but they are also quite sensitive and require verbal encouragement during training . Maltese dogs are not well-suited for families with young children, as they may cause injury, and prolonged isolation can lead to separation anxiety. However, if overindulged, despite their small size, Maltese dogs can be quite aggressive and prone to provoking other dogs, exhibiting behaviors such as barking and aggression . Their gait is light, smooth, and fluid when running. The average lifespan of a domesticated Maltese is 12-14 years. They are well-suited for first-time owners.

Growth and reproduction

Maltese dogs reach sexual maturity at 6-8 months and physical maturity at 12 months. They have two estrus cycles a year, in spring and autumn. The gestation period is 58-65 days, with 4-6 puppies per litter .

Feeding and care

Maltese dogs don't eat much; feeding them once in the morning and once in the evening is sufficient. Their daily diet can include a moderate amount of meat, which should be steamed, boiled, cut into small pieces, and mixed with dry kibble or biscuits. It's important not to overfeed them.

Nursing

Maltese dogs should be brushed daily to ensure their fur is tangle-free. In addition to regular brushing, they also need regular baths. Remember to clean their ears after bathing.

Maltese dogs prefer a clean, dry environment. The fur around their eyes is easily stained by tear secretions, which can cause brown streaks. Therefore, eye drops can be used before and after bathing to prevent tears from staining the fur. After meals, the area around their mouth should also be wiped clean.

Maltese dogs have clear nails and need regular trimming to prevent them from scratching themselves. Regular care includes keeping their ear canals clean with cotton balls.

In terms of grooming, the hair on the top of a Maltese's head can be left as bangs or combed upwards into small braids. The hair on the back hangs down to both sides along the midline of the back. Use a grooming comb to first comb the inner hair, then comb the outer hair, combing from top to bottom in three or four strokes. Long coats can also be trimmed into a beautiful hem.

exercise

This dog is highly adaptable to urban environments, and its exercise needs can be met simply by playing indoors. Moderate exercise can promote its digestion and absorption, and maintain a normal appetite.

Common diseases

Maltese dogs are intolerant of hot and humid conditions. During their care, it's important to monitor for conjunctival congestion or jaundice, and to check for decreased appetite. Poor appetite may indicate digestive system problems. In addition, Maltese dogs are prone to tearing, knee dislocation, and malocclusion.

Feeding purposes

The Maltese was one of the first dog breeds to be publicly displayed in show stands, and its ancestors may have been the earliest toy dogs in Europe . They were highly favored by European nobility, serving as a symbol of high status. Maltese dogs are also very adept at catching mice . In the early 20th century, the Maltese was introduced to Japan, China, and the Philippines, becoming Japan's most popular toy dog, suitable for family life and considered a top-tier family pet.